ALTERNATE REALITY STORY 1 - WHAT LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
(c) Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
{These things} - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our heroes and heroine met up with Bill and the Lighthouse, after the excursion with Dragonite, the ex-Poké God. Now, our heroes have
finally reached Vermillion City!"
Brock: "Episode 14: Baby's got the gift!"
Three figures slowly wheeled dust-covered bikes into town, looking beat.
Ash, breathing hard: "We finally made it!"
Brock, fully energized: "Let's get to the Pokémon Center!"
He sped off on his bike with hearts in his eyes.
Misty, laughing weakly: "Nurse Joy, of course."
Ash, sighing: "Of course."
They walked to the entrance of the Pokémon Center and entered it.
Brock was there at the front desk, hands clasped in front of him.
Nurse Joy, looking and sounding irritated: "...For the last time, I have work to do!"
Brock, begging: "Please?? I'll pay for the movie tickets??"
Misty sighed, annoyed, and slammed a mallet that appeared from nowhere into Brock, who flew across the room. He got up and spun around, dizzy.
Ash, freaked out at Misty's gigantic hammer: "What the heck is that?!?!"
Misty, smiling cutely as she tapped the hammer in one hand: "Its just the oagam [oh-gum], O-A-G-A-M., or Official Anime Girls Attack Mallet."
She calmly put it away, as Ash stared at her.
Misty, sighing: "Don't worry, its almost perfectly harmless. It only hurts for a second, then the pain disappears. And I only use it on annoying people.
(Looming over him menacingly) So DON'T YOU start to get annoying, too!"
Ash looked at Brock, who seemed fine now. He was weirded [not a word] out. Where these 'oagam' things legal??
Ash, turning to Nurse Joy, who smiled at him: "Er, could you revitalize these 18 Pokémon, please?"
Nurse Joy, nodding: "Sure thing, Ash!"
Ash, surprised: "How do you know my name?"
Nurse Joy, cheerfully: "Well, you're stirring up quite a buzz among Trainers, aren't you? You're supposed to be this really good Pokémon Trainer, that never
loses, and even beat the infamous AJ!"
Ash, head drooping: "Oh. Great. So now a whole bunch of better Trainers are gonna be trying to destroy me utterly."
Nurse Joy nodded sweetly, then smiled and took their Pokémon into a room.
Nurse Joy, reappearing: "It will take about an hour."
They sat down. They ordered some food. Both Brock and Misty noticed that Ash didn't seem to be hungry. Instead, he was looking at his Pokédex in a look of
consternation [dismay].
Misty, after swallowing a mouthful of salad: "Aren't you going to eat anything, Ash?"
Ash, showing her the screen of Dexter: "Look at this. These are the Pokémon I have. I'm wondering which ones I should choose against the Gym Leader, and
its pretty hard. All of them need more experience, but I don't want any of 'em to be hurt that badly. I have: Charmander, Pikachu, Butterfree, Beedrill, Fearow,
Pidgeotto, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Mankey, Zubat, Paras, Clefairy, Bulbasaur, Goldeen, Wartortle, Krabby, and Seel."
Misty, surprised: "You have a Goldeen? When did you get one?"
Ash, wincing: "I don't want to talk about it..."
Ash remembered his poor, poor butt, after Goldeen had punctured it with its horn. It still ached.
Ash, shaking his head: "Anyway, if your information on the Gym is accurate (and I have no reason to doubt it is) the Gym Leader probably uses mostly all
Electric Types. Pokémon strong against Electric attacks are Ground, Grass, Dragon, and other Electric types. Sense all of my Pokémon need experience, I have
no worry of letting those of these types fight. Okay, Pikachu will be one, as my backup. He won't be hurt that badly against strong offense. Butterfree can be
my long-distance fighter, it has the best long-range capabilities, and Mankey can be my short-distance..."
Misty, surprised again: "You think that thing will obey you??"
Brock, butting in: "I think Misty's right, Ash. I might have some sort of weirdo grudge against you, because you're a human and you beat it with martial arts."
Ash, shrugging naïvely: "I don't see why it should. I beat it in fair combat. Now, Bulbasaur will be my main attacker, against any Pokémon I think the others
can't handle. I think I'll use Charmander as well, to get it some good experience. That gives me a team of Charmander, Pikachu, Butterfree, Mankey, and
Bulbasaur. Let's also add Paras to see what it can do."
Brock, his meal finished: "Paras? The thing you told me you caught in Mt. Moon?"
Ash, nodding: "Yeah."
Brock, wiping his mouth with his napkin: "I don't think you should use that one either, Ash. Mt. Moon doesn't have Pokémon that are very high level,
usually. And a puny little Paras? It can't be more than twelfth level. Choose a different one, like Venomoth."
Ash, fiery: "No WAY, Brock. Just because Paras is a low level doesn't mean it can't win!"
Misty, putting a hand on Brock's shoulder before he could respond: "Forget it, Brock. Ash can be so stubborn, he won't be swayed from this strangely idiotic
path. Even by you."
Brock looked at her, saw the light of truth and amusement in her eyes, and backed down. Ash glared at Misty.
Brock, nonchalantly standing up: "Fine. Its your Pokémon, anyway."
Ash, nodding, daydreaming of the Pokémon League: "Yeah...yeah, it sure is..."
Nurse Joy, appearing with a tray of 17 Pokéballs and Pikachu: "Here you are."
Brock, drooling: "Why, thank you Nurse Joy! Now, about a date ton-"
Ash, firmly pulling Brock away from Nurse Joy: "Time to go."
They left the Pokémon Center and headed for the Gym across town. Brock tried to break out of the steel grip of the younger, not as strong boy.
Brock, struggling to get out of Ash's grip and back towards the Pokémon Center: "B-but!"
Misty took out her 'oagam', and he fell silent.
When they got there, fifteen minutes later, Ash knocked on the door. It opened at impact, surprising them. There was no light. Ash and his friends could see a
few people watching them in the gloom. Suddenly, the lights blinked on.
Ash, blinking: "Wha? Oh, hello. Is one of you the Gym Leader?"
The biggest man Ash had ever seen in his life stepped up.
Huge guy, smiling and pointing to his chest: "I am, baby. I guess you wish to challenge me, just like all the other 3,067 babies I've already beaten?"
Ash, eyes narrowing, angry at this rudeness: "What do you mean by 'baby'??!"
Misty winced. Oh, man was this guy, Lieutenant Surge as she remembered, going down. She remembered battling him, and having almost beating him, even
with all Water Pokémon.
Huge guy, laughing: "I call all the Trainers I beat 'baby'. And you've got a Pikachu, huh. Haven't even evolved it yet? Look, baby's got a baby Pokémon!"
Ash, flaring as the others in the Gym guffawed: "Well you haven't beaten me yet, so save your breath!"
Huge guy, leering down at the 'baby': "The call me Surge. Lieutenant Surge. So, you'd like a match? Fine. I don't know why, a baby like you couldn't stand a
chance, but I'll accept your challenge. No time limit. How many Pokémon, baby?"
Ash, growling: "Six on six."
Surge, nodding and smirking: "Okay, baby. Go, Magneton!"
Ash, doing his pose and throwing a Pokéball: "Paras! I choose you!"
Surge, laughing again: "That little thing? Pathetic! Magneton, Sonic Boom!"
Ash, yelling: "Paras, Dig into the ground then use Stun Spore!"
Surge, growling: "What?"
The Sonic Waves flew at Paras as it Dug itself into the ground, going out of view, earth blocking the sound. Then it popped right back out and Stun Spored
Magneton, making the thing quiver.
Ash, pointing: "Paras, use Spore attack, now!"
Paras sprayed its Spores and Magneton fell asleep.
[So paralyzing something in the game means you can't put it to sleep (literally). This isn't the game, so it doesn't apply. Right? Right? (Ducks as tomatoes are
thrown at him from Pokémon-game purists) Hey, stop!]
Surge, urging his Pokémon: "Magneton, wake up!"
Ash: "Paras, while its down, Slash it till it breaks apart!"
Paras Slashed again at again at Magneton. Suddenly, it jerked, then fell into three Magnemites. [It would return to normal once fully healed. Hopefully.]
Surge: "Whoah!"
Ash: "Return, Paras!"
Surge, smirking: "Return, Magneton. (Winking at Ash) Ya know, baby, you could've used Paras against my next Pokémon in official League rules, but you
didn't, so you can't use it again. Your dinky little baby Paras was fully healed."
Ash, evenly: "So? I wanted to call it back. You think I haven't memorized the rules by heart? Get a clue. I like the matches to be even."
Surge, incredulous: "But that could cost you a Badge!!"
Ash, with a smirk as he looked patronizingly at Surge: "So? I can just come back and do it again. Besides, I have, I think longer than a year to earn 5 more
Badges. This isn't the only Gym around."
Surge took another look at this young man. He was more handsome than the usual snot-nosed brat, with his slim but surprisingly well-muscled frame and deep
amber eyes. He had midnight-black hair. His body seemed devoid of acne or any other indentation that might have shown him as teenager, making him look
more like an overgrown pre-teen. Surge recognized the League cap and realized this Trainer was at least one of the top four Game Boy players in the world. He
also wore midnight-black gloves.
Surge gasped, eyes widening. Everyone knew those gloves. At least, every Indigo League Gym Leader. About 42 years ago, a woman Surge's father had known
named Willow Ketchum had won the Pokémon League tournament and became Indigo League Champion. Each year, specially fitted fighting gloves were
awarded to the victor, and hers had been the second year, so she was awarded with some of the most memorable ones, midnight-black ones. When she had a
son, Cypress Ketchum, she gave the gloves to him, who made them even more famous when he won the Indigo Pokémon League at age 16 twenty years after
his mother, a feat none other had done. He married a traveling companion of his, Delilah Wills, two years later. 8 years ago, Cypress had died in a car crash,
making Delilah a widow and Cypress's little son fatherless.
Surge, thinking: {Now, what was that name again? Ashley? Ashton? No, it was Ashura, just Ash publicly, Surge remembered that.}
Surge: "Hey, kid, what's your name?"
Ash, pleasantly surprised Surge hadn't called him a baby: "Ash. Why do you ask?"
Surge, eyes widening: "I think I knew your father. Cypress Ketchum, right? Yer last name's Ketchum..."
Ash, not looking surprised: "Yeah. Its not surprising that you've met him, actually. He was a Pokémon Master, after all."
So, it was Ash. Yes, he was obviously the son of Cypress. Ash radiated a certain aura of self-confidence, and a certain smart-aleck talk, which reminded Surge
strongly of Ash's father. Now Surge looked past Ash. There was a cute red-haired teen who had a pretty good sense of style, considering her wardrobe. She
would obviously be Ash's girlfriend or somesuch. She seemed to like blue for some reason. Surge felt like he had seen her before. Never the subtle one...
Surge, calling: "Yo, young lady in the stands?"
Misty, startled: "Yes?"
Surge, scratching his head: "Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"
Misty, smiling: "I'm Misty, the lead Cerulean City Gym Leader. Also, I battled you for a Badge, but lost, a couple of years ago. (Pointing to the young man
beside her) And this is Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader."
Brock, waving: "Hi."
So, she liked blue because Cerulean was a shade of blue. How did Ash get two Gym Leaders to follow him? Maybe Ash would tell him later. Misty was
pretty, and everyone looking at her could sense she would probably be as beautiful as her popular Gym Leader sisters someday, just not today. Today, she
was just a cute, red-haired, and great Water Trainer, the girlfriend of Ash. Or Brock. Which didn't make her common, just expected for one of Ash's stature. She
was his height and had his type of nose. And it might be a match if she was Brock's girlfriend, as they were both Gym Leaders (albeit, probably the least
strongest ones, as Surge recalled). [He's actually better...Misty only almost won because it was a one-on-one match with Starmie against Hitmonchan.]
Surge now looked more closely at Brock. Brock was a ruggedly handsome young man with strong features and very tanned skin. He was wearing a pair of gray
cargo pants and a brown vest over a white T-shirt. [Did I tell you about Brock's matching clothing?] Pewter was the city of stone, and Brock resembled a
stone-like human. The strange thing was that he squinted, so it was impossible to see the color of his eyes. They would probably be brown or gray, though.
Surge looked at the Pikachu at Ash's side. It was pretty large for its species and obviously male. And Surge could sense its power level to be pretty high, for a
Pikachu. Maybe it was good, but no Pikachu could beat its evolved form. Or so Surge thought.
Surge noticed a strange thing about Ash's little party. They seemed, actually, bored. Like they just wanted Ash to get it over with. Did they not care that
much, or was their opinion of Ash so low? Or so high?
Surge, smiling grimly: "Okay Ash, get ready. You may have beginner's luck, but you can't face the force of my Electrode! (Throwing another Pokéball from his
utility belt) Go!"
Ash, grinning and doing a peace sign by his head: "Don't be so sure! (Throwing a Pokéball) Go, Mankey!"
Mankey appeared, growling. It was about the size of Primeape, its evolved form. Misty and Brock winced, and Surge gasped.
Surge, eyes widening again: "That is one big Mankey!"
Ash, smirking: "Thanks. Mankey, go! Use your Thrash!"
Mankey, turning its head in a sign of dismissal: "Man." 'No.'
Ash, totally caught off-guard: "What?!"
Mankey, closing its eyes and crossing its arms across its chest: "Mankey." 'I said "no".'
Surge, allowing himself a smile: "This should be easy, if you can't even control your Pokémon. Electrode, go! Thunderbolt!"
Mankey, commanding itself: "Mank!" 'Rage!'
Mankey started pummeling Electrode as it was hit by electricity again and again and again. Electrode dodged away and Mankey stopped.
Ash, frantic: "Mankey, please obey me and use Focus Energy!"
Mankey: "Man. Manky!" 'No. Low Kick!"
Mankey jumped over the ground and booted Electrode around the room.
Surge: "Electrode, as it kicks you, use Explosion!"
Ash, feeling control as he forgot Mankey wouldn't obey him in the rush of a seeming victory: "Finish it off! Fury Swipes!"
Mankey: "Man. Mankey mank mankey!" 'No. Combined Fleet Foot and Comet Kick attacks!'
Misty, blown away, analyzing the situation: "Woah! Ash's Mankey won't obey, but its winning by its own attacks anyway! Its pretending like its still
wild...its acting like Surge is trying to capture it, and taking counter-measures accordingly!"
Brock, marveling: "Man, that Pokémon is extremely strong! And FAST! Normally, it wouldn't be able to catch up with the lightning-quick Electrode! And
look! It just used an attack I've never even heard of!"
Mankey went so fast you couldn't see him until after he had kicked the other Pokémon high up into the air like a football, where it exploded.
Surge, recalling his Electrode, shaking his head: "Kid, you sure are lucky! Return, Electrode!"
Ash, recalling Mankey: "Return, Mankey! (Scratching the back of his head, embarrassed) Well, we all need a little luck."
Surge, throwing a Pokéball: "Go, Jolteon!"
Ash, throwing his own Pokéball: "Go! Butterfree!"
Surge: "Jolteon, Agility!"
Ash, simultaneously: "Butterfree, Tackle!"
Butterfree zipped towards Jolteon, but Jolteon just jumped out of the way in a flash of speed. Jolteon was just running in circles around the room, Ash
noticed. It had no where else to run. Its mistake was running in a circuit. Ash knew where it would go right before it went there.
Ash, pointing at an area a few feet in front of Jolteon: "Butterfree, use Psybeam there!"
Butterfree's beam shot into the darting Jolteon as Jolteon literally ran into it.
Ash, delighted that his strategy had worked: "Now use Confusion!"
Blue energy picked Jolteon and slammed it against the ceiling, then back to the ground.
Surge, anguished: "Jolteon!"
Ash, wincing at the pain he was causing: "Butterfree, finish it off with Mega Drain!"
Butterfree swooped down and touched Jolteon's head with its antennae, sucking in all of the power remaining in the electric fox.
Surge, spit flying out of his mouth as he expelled it from his mouth with force: "No! Er...Jolteon, return! Go, Hitmonchan!"
Ash, pointing his Pokéball's beam: "Return, Butterfree! Go, Bulbasaur!"
Surge, sighing in relief: "Finally, an easy-to-beat Pokémon! Hitmonchan, Comet Punch!"
Ash, growling: "Easy-to-beat, huh?! Bulbasaur, dodge left and Mega Kick!"
Surge, in denial: "Bulbasaur can't learn Mega Kick!"
Brock, whispering to Misty, smiling: "Denial."
Ash, yelling heatedly: "Mine can!"
Hitmonchan flew towards Bulbasaur with its fist in front. Right before it hit Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur was able to dodge to the left, sending its forefoot slamming
into the speeding Hitmonchan's stomach.
[Bulbasaur can only do this move because Ash is a good teacher, and because Bulbasaur is at the high level of 30, almost the time it would evolve into Venusaur
normally. The Hitmonchan is about level 20. *]
Hitmonchan flew backwards, hitting a wall. After a few moments, it slowly got up.
Surge: "Good!"
Ash: "It's still punching??! Bulbasaur, finish it off with Leech Seed!"
Bulbasaur: "Bulba!" 'Sure thing!'
Out of Bulbasaur's back, a seed flew out of the bulb and implanted itself on one of Hitmonchan's fists, then wrapping the entire body, sucking Hitmonchan's
energy. But still the Hitmonchan walked towards Bulbasaur.
Ash, a little nervous and a lot irritated: "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
Razor Leaves flew our of the sides of Bulbasaur's bulb and sliced into Hitmonchan, slicing up the gloves and giving Hitmonchan shallow cuts on the head and
arms. Ash sighed relief as Hitmonchan finally sighed and collapsed, defeated.
Surge: "Good try, Hitmonchan! Return. Go, Electabuzz!"
Ash, taking out Pokédex: "Hmm..."
Pokedex: "Electabuzz, the Electric Punching Pokémon. Strangely, this Pokémon is one of two types of Pokémon that aren't colorblind, and it becomes enraged
when seeing any shade of red."
Ash, putting away his Pokédex and taking out a Pokéball: "I can deal with Pokémon in a tantrum. Go, Charmander!"
Charmander appeared and glared at Electabuzz. Suddenly, Electabuzz's eyes went blood red.
Surge: "Electabuzz, Thunderpunch!"
Electabuzz just started charging towards Charmander.
Surge, confused: "Electabuzz?"
Ash: "Charmander, Ember!"
Charmander waved its tail in wide circles, throwing fire all around it. Electabuzz ran right through the fire, though it must have really hurt. Its pain only
increased its rage. It fairly flew towards Charmander.
Ash: "Charmander, dodge and Flamethrower!"
Charmander jumped backwards and a long stream of fire erupted from his mouth, scorching Electabuzz, which just kept coming.
Ash, almost panicking: "Okay, try another Flamethrower!"
Charmander shot again, but Electabuzz just punched Charmander across the room after being hit more.
Ash, crying out in anguish: "Charmander!! Are you okay??"
Charmander slowly got up, and blinked a couple times. Then it shook its head, and nodded, looking like it was in pain.
Ash: "Good! Now, for your special attack! Try that move we saw that Magmar on TV do! Heat Shield!"
Charmander's eyes flashed and its tail grew very high. A flame-like shimmering appeared around Charmander. Electabuzz tried to Thunderbolt, but the
electricity just bounced off the shield.
Brock, in awe: "Wow...Ash's Charmander formed a air lance, but somehow it looks like it also made some sort of force field...I've gotta know where Ash found
that technique..."
Ash: "Charmander, use Fire Spin, now!"
Charmander sucked in deeply and blew out a tornado of fire, which locked in on Electabuzz. Electabuzz was sucked into the center, then the fire collapsed in
on it. When it was over, Electabuzz lay fainted on the ground. Ash let out his breath.
Ash: "Charmander, that was incredible! Great job!"
Surge, crestfallen: "Electabuzz, you shame me! Return! Now, Ash, you will see what kind of baby your Pikachu really is!"
Surge threw a Pokéball and a large Raichu appeared. Ash checked its level and found out quickly it was 58th, the same as Pikachu. Raichu would have the
advantage with its size and boosted power rating. But it might have weaknesses. Ash would have to explore them.
Ash, calmly: "And I choose Pikachu."
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Pikachu, this Raichu has the same level as you. I don't know how to beat it, but I just want you to know you don't have to kill
yourself for this badge. I can always get another one.}
Pikachu patted Ash's cheek.
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I'll try my best. I want to see how good Raichus really are. You know, to see if I want to become one.}
Ash, nodding and scratching Pikachu behind the ear: "Good. And thanks."
Surge: "You may start. You've been more than fair."
Ash, flashing a smile at him: "Thanks. Go Pikachu! Agility!"
Pikachu zoomed around and around the Gym.
Surge, thinking: {Oh, crap. He taught his Pikachu speed techniques. Now I wish I had, for the short time Raichu was a Pikachu! How to beat it, how to beat
it...if I get lucky just once, I met be able to knock it out cleanly.}
Surge: "Go, Raichu! Body Slam!"
Raichu was normally quicker than a non-speeding Pikachu because its feet and legs were longer and stronger. But Pikachu with Agility was still way faster.
Raichu missed, landing hard on its stomach. It quickly got back up.
Surge: "Raichu, Mega Punch!"
Ash: "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu zoomed through Raichu's legs, hitting it on the back. But Raichu's eyes were quick enough to determine the motion, and it backhanded the air
immediately after Pikachu had slashed it. Pikachu flew a distance to the ground, hurt.
Ash, anguished: "Pikachu!!! Please, get up!"
Pikachu got up, with barely more than half of his health. Raichu ran towards it, and Pikachu darted around again.
Ash: "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's Thunderbolt engulfed Raichu, but since Raichu had larger electric sacks, it wasn't hurt very much.
Surge: "Raichu! Show it a REAL Thunderbolt!"
Ash: "Quick, Pikachu! Absorb it!"
Raichu's sacks glowed and it unleashed a seismic amount of electricty, barely hitting Pikachu. The part that did was
absorbed into Pikachu, giving it more slightly more health and power.
Surge, waving at Ash: "Hold for a minute. How did you teach Pikachu that move?"
Ash: "Any Pikachu or Raichu can, if they have enough strength. But mine can only do it once when its health is this high."
Surge realized Ash had made the error of admitting he could only do it once.
Surge: "Raichu, Thunder!"
Raichu unleashed a huge amount of energy, but it missed as the darting Pikachu jumped behind a rock. Surge swore
and gritted his teeth.
Surge: "Okay, if you can't hit the Pikachu while it has so much cover, delete the cover, Raichu! Fill the whole Gym with
electricity!"
Ash: "Wha-oh!"
Ash jumped to the stands and dragged his friends behind them while Raichu started the second-biggest electric attack Ash had ever seen (second to Pikachu's
Thunder Ball attack). Surge and the other Trainers also dived behind cover. Then he sent a psychic message to Pikachu. Ash could sense Pikachu was worried.
He was too.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Pikachu, tell me exactly what you see.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I see a large Raichu to the left of me getting ready to launch a huge attack that will probably at least break a few windows. I
won't be able to stand after this attack, I'm sure. Its going to hurt. Basically, brace for impact, captain!}
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Okay, here's what I want you to do. When Raichu attacks, jump on your tail, so that you are balanced on it. That will stop the
electricity from hurting you. Hopefully, it might only faze you a bit, or it might even recharge you. Then, when the attack is over, put all of your energy and
might into a Thunderpunch. This attack should drain Raichu's power.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I hope you're right about this...}
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {You and me both.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash, rolling its eyes: {Oh, THAT'S reassuring.}
Raichu started letting loose its energy, making Ash cut off his message.
Raichu: "RAI YAI!" 'ULTIMATE THUNDER!'
Raichu's electric sacks lit with white energy as it channeled its innate energy into a blast of Thunder throughout the Gym. In the midst of it all, Pikachu stood on its tail and closed its eyes as the electric strike launched through its body and into the ground. He clenched his teeth and trembled as the massive amount of power hit him. Surge covered his head as the ceiling blew up. Ash covered Brock and Misty with his body, while covering his head. A yellow and black bird circled high overhead, watching.
Yellow and black bird, thinking: {Hmm. Nope, not a Pikachu and not powerful enough.}
Below, the humans slowly got up. Raichu was breathing hard and the whole ceiling of the Gym had blasted outwards.
Surge, grinning: "Well, I guess I wi-what the?!..."
Pikachu was standing on its tail. It was magnetically charged from the amount of energy that had gone through its body. Its fur was bright and on end and its eyes were glowing with a fiery yellow light. Above its head, a little thundercloud floated in the air.
Pikachu, concerned: "Pi? Pikachu?" 'What? What's wrong?'
Surge, eyes wide: "Good lord, what happened to that Pikachu??!..."
Raichu, backing away from Pikachu: "Raichu, rai yai??! Raichu?!" 'Pikachu, you just evolved!?! Into Redou?!'
Pikachu: "Pi?" 'Huh?'
Pikachu looked at himself.
Ash: "Pikachu, you're supercharged again. Somehow, something caused all of Raichu's energy to enter into your body without harm, the speed of which must have caused your body to slightly change into your evolved form. (Looking at Surge levelly) Surge, do you surrender?"
Surge, looking carefully at Pikachu: "Yeah. Okay, I surrender, kid. I guess if anyone's the baby, its me. Here is your Thunder Badge. Guard it well."
Ash, taking the badge: "I will."
Surge: "Hey, um, I was hoping to talk to you, but here's not the place. Can you come with me to my place?"
Ash: "Sure."
Surge, nodding: "Good. I've been wanting to talk to the son of Cypress for a while."
They came to his house. It was fairly large. They went inside and had some tea.
Surge: "...So Pikachu has been supercharged how many times?"
Ash: "I think once in Viridian, once in Pewter, and once here. That's three times."
Surge: "You do know the legend behind Redou?"
Ash: "Yeah. Dragonight told Pikachu who told me."
Surge: "Dragonite?"
Ash: "It's a long story I might tell you some day. Anyway, Redou is a Pokémon that serves as the Poké Gods' messenger and security chief and Zapdos's 'butler'. I'm not sure how many there are at a time. Redou has a lot of cool powers and he can beat any non-Poké God Pokémon that we've found so far."
Surge: "Yeah. All I know is that there are, at most, two Redous at a time. Usually there's only one. Of course, I learned of this after I evolved my Raichu (the first day I got it). But since there are so many Pikachu, its really hard to tell which ones are destined to be Redou. I think only trained ones ever do, because its something about a good Trainer and his Pikachu. I think you are one of the very few Trainers that ever will have a Redou, lucky kid. You can see signs of Redou when Pikachu is supercharged. You must be a good Trainer, even better than your father."
Ash, as much to himself as to Surge: "Its hard following in his footsteps. How do I make my own name in the world when my dad already has been the best?"
Surge: "Have some really, really rare Pokémon. Like Redou, or some sort of mythical Pokémon no one else has."
Pikachu and Ash sweatdropped. Surge didn't know about Dragonight. Or did he? Did Bill tell him? Was this his way of encouraging Ash?
Surge: "So, you're on your way now. Your next stop is going to be Saffron City?"
Brock: "Yeah."
Surge: "You guys should take a ship. How about taking these tickets and boarding the St. Anne? Its a luxury liner."
Misty: "Really??! I've built a model of the St. Anne once! Its huge!"
Ash: "Are you sure you don't want them, Lieutenant Surge?"
Surge: "No, I get them all the time, because the ship is owned by Vermillion City, and I'm one of the people in charge here. I can fix it so you can have two joined rooms, if you want."
Ash, puzzled: "Why would we want that?"
They stared at each other, both confused. Then, Surge pulled Ash to the other side of the room.
Surge, whispering quietly to Ash: "Isn't Misty your girlfriend?"
Ash, blushing red, then answering quietly back: "Of course not!"
Surge: "So she's Brock's?"
Ash, worriedly: "I don't think so..."
Surge, chagrined: "Oh. I kinda thought either you are Brock had her as a girlfriend. Why else would she follow you?"
Ash, still blushing: "She's my guide."
Surge, leading Ash back to his seat and winking at him: "Oh. Sure. Right. I'll make it so all three rooms are joined, so you won't lose each other. When you're on, feel free to order room service or do anything expensive you like. My gift to you, Ash. Your father was a good man. And a great Pokémon Trainer."
Ash pulled the cap over his eyes. They were wet. All of this talk of his father was bringing back bad memories. The others understood. Surge had had his own father die while protecting a Raichu that was giving birth. Giving birth to his own Raichu. Misty had had both of her parents die in a car wreck in the mountains north of Cerulean. Brock's mother had died of leukemia. Pikachu's entire family was killed poachers a long time ago.
Ash felt something in his lap, and on his shoulders. Surprised, he lifted his cap. Pikachu was nestled into his lap, smiling and grinning comfortingly at Ash. Then, to the right he saw Misty, with her hand on his shoulder, and she was smiling warmly, even though the bad memories brought up in this talk about parents made her own eyes slightly wet. To the right he saw Brock, rough hand on his shoulder while smiling widely. Then, in front was Surge, smiles in his eyes.
Pikachu: "Pi pikachu. Pikachu." 'Don't feel bad. You have us.'
Misty, echoing Pikachu: "Yeah."
Brock and Surge, looking at Misty: "Huh?"
Ash laughed and smiled through his drying slowly eyes. He stood up, placing Pikachu on his head. Suddenly he jumped up, bounced off of the wall and off
another, with resounding cracks.
Ash, hyper [couldn't you tell?]: "C'mon! What are we waiting for?! Let's go!"
Misty: "Yeah!"
Brock: "Right!"
Surge, clasping Ash's hand: "Goodbye, Ash. Put those tickets to good use! They ain't cheap! See me after you beat the Pokémon League!"
Ash, doing a little peace sign and winking: "I will. Later!"
He jumped on his bike and sped towards the docks, followed by a laughing Brock and a smiling Misty [Pikachu on the handlebars].
Ash: "THANKS, SURGE! I'LL TRY TO MAKE YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO KNEW MY FATHER PROUD!"
Surge, looking after him, thinking: "Yes you will, son of Cypress...you certainly will."
Narrator: "That ends this chapter in the life of the Trainer named Ash Ketchum. Will he and his friends actually get a break from their Journey? Find out next time."
James, appearing along with Jesse and Meowth, all looking pissed: "What the H***?!?!"
Flareon, innocently: "What?"
Meowth, angrily: "We weren't even in dis fic!!"
Flareon, mighty hands behind his mighty head: "Yeah, so what? Consider it a break from being trounced."
Jesse, flexing her hands and moving towards him, outraged: "TROUNCED?!?! I'll give YOU a break!!"
All three Team Rocket members moved menacingly towards him.
Flareon, pale: "Er...end fic!"
Nothing happened.
Puny Flareon, utterly confused: "What?!"
Handsome And Valiant Meowth, grinning his dazzling grin: "Lookin' for dis?"
The puny writer gulped as he saw the keyboard in the great Meowth's mighty hand.
Puny Flareon, gulping again: "Nice Meowth...good Meowth..."
Beautiful and Talented Jessica, holding the keyboard in her delicate and faultless hand: "Now, we'll give this back to you, if, AND ONLY IF, you follow through with the following two demands..."
Macho and Cool James, taking his rightful turn at the console, and speaking macho-ly, with his macho and more macho voice: "...First off, we want to succeed in capturing a lot of Pokémon..."
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, taking the keyboard back from the pitiful human: "...And second, we want to get them from the twerp!"
Meek Flareon, licking his lips nervously: "I'll...see what I can do..."
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, in his mighty voice: "Swear that you'll do it, or you'll never see this keyboard again!!"
Nincompoop Flareon, waving his puny hands: "All right, all right! 'I, Flareon, hereby declare to the people of FanFiction.net that Jessica, James, and Meowth from Team Rocket shall capture dozens of Pokémon in the next fic from the 'twerp', get to keep some of 'em, and get raises in my next uploaded fanfiction episode!'"
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, handing the puny keyboard back to the puny author: "Dat's bettah!"
Flareon, breathing a mighty breath: "End fic already!"
Welp, I'm back. With Pokémon, this time. Still writing my 'War Between Hearts', fic, or 'WBH', so those who care will be glad to know that. Hey, I'm gonna start a new poll, right now, that will be in every fic. Here it is: "How many people reading this right now care about whether Ash and Misty might kiss in the third or fourth movie?" Answer as soon as you end reading the next paragraph and my name.
Next fic is the St. Anne! Hello, hello, not too different. Misty watches her favorite movie, James foolishly get Magikarp, Team Rocket gets what they so rightfully deserve [and its not a kick in the a**...(see five paragraphs above this one)], and Ash and Misty go swimming together! Think something might happen? I don't. Not really. Maybe Ash might get uncomfortable, or Misty, but what's wrong with a tiny bit of love to spice up a fic? ; P
{:FLAREON:}
SAGA 1: THE LEGEND BEGINS
(c) Copyright 2000 by Flareon
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokémon. I wish I did, but I do not. I just write these fanfiction.
{These things} - Means thought or psychic communication.
'Apostrophes' - Means Pokémon language deciphered into human language.
[Brackets] - Means author notes.
TheseStrangeThings - Means change of scene.
Narrator: "Last time, our heroes and heroine met up with Bill and the Lighthouse, after the excursion with Dragonite, the ex-Poké God. Now, our heroes have
finally reached Vermillion City!"
Brock: "Episode 14: Baby's got the gift!"
Three figures slowly wheeled dust-covered bikes into town, looking beat.
Ash, breathing hard: "We finally made it!"
Brock, fully energized: "Let's get to the Pokémon Center!"
He sped off on his bike with hearts in his eyes.
Misty, laughing weakly: "Nurse Joy, of course."
Ash, sighing: "Of course."
They walked to the entrance of the Pokémon Center and entered it.
Brock was there at the front desk, hands clasped in front of him.
Nurse Joy, looking and sounding irritated: "...For the last time, I have work to do!"
Brock, begging: "Please?? I'll pay for the movie tickets??"
Misty sighed, annoyed, and slammed a mallet that appeared from nowhere into Brock, who flew across the room. He got up and spun around, dizzy.
Ash, freaked out at Misty's gigantic hammer: "What the heck is that?!?!"
Misty, smiling cutely as she tapped the hammer in one hand: "Its just the oagam [oh-gum], O-A-G-A-M., or Official Anime Girls Attack Mallet."
She calmly put it away, as Ash stared at her.
Misty, sighing: "Don't worry, its almost perfectly harmless. It only hurts for a second, then the pain disappears. And I only use it on annoying people.
(Looming over him menacingly) So DON'T YOU start to get annoying, too!"
Ash looked at Brock, who seemed fine now. He was weirded [not a word] out. Where these 'oagam' things legal??
Ash, turning to Nurse Joy, who smiled at him: "Er, could you revitalize these 18 Pokémon, please?"
Nurse Joy, nodding: "Sure thing, Ash!"
Ash, surprised: "How do you know my name?"
Nurse Joy, cheerfully: "Well, you're stirring up quite a buzz among Trainers, aren't you? You're supposed to be this really good Pokémon Trainer, that never
loses, and even beat the infamous AJ!"
Ash, head drooping: "Oh. Great. So now a whole bunch of better Trainers are gonna be trying to destroy me utterly."
Nurse Joy nodded sweetly, then smiled and took their Pokémon into a room.
Nurse Joy, reappearing: "It will take about an hour."
They sat down. They ordered some food. Both Brock and Misty noticed that Ash didn't seem to be hungry. Instead, he was looking at his Pokédex in a look of
consternation [dismay].
Misty, after swallowing a mouthful of salad: "Aren't you going to eat anything, Ash?"
Ash, showing her the screen of Dexter: "Look at this. These are the Pokémon I have. I'm wondering which ones I should choose against the Gym Leader, and
its pretty hard. All of them need more experience, but I don't want any of 'em to be hurt that badly. I have: Charmander, Pikachu, Butterfree, Beedrill, Fearow,
Pidgeotto, Venomoth, Farfetch'd, Mankey, Zubat, Paras, Clefairy, Bulbasaur, Goldeen, Wartortle, Krabby, and Seel."
Misty, surprised: "You have a Goldeen? When did you get one?"
Ash, wincing: "I don't want to talk about it..."
Ash remembered his poor, poor butt, after Goldeen had punctured it with its horn. It still ached.
Ash, shaking his head: "Anyway, if your information on the Gym is accurate (and I have no reason to doubt it is) the Gym Leader probably uses mostly all
Electric Types. Pokémon strong against Electric attacks are Ground, Grass, Dragon, and other Electric types. Sense all of my Pokémon need experience, I have
no worry of letting those of these types fight. Okay, Pikachu will be one, as my backup. He won't be hurt that badly against strong offense. Butterfree can be
my long-distance fighter, it has the best long-range capabilities, and Mankey can be my short-distance..."
Misty, surprised again: "You think that thing will obey you??"
Brock, butting in: "I think Misty's right, Ash. I might have some sort of weirdo grudge against you, because you're a human and you beat it with martial arts."
Ash, shrugging naïvely: "I don't see why it should. I beat it in fair combat. Now, Bulbasaur will be my main attacker, against any Pokémon I think the others
can't handle. I think I'll use Charmander as well, to get it some good experience. That gives me a team of Charmander, Pikachu, Butterfree, Mankey, and
Bulbasaur. Let's also add Paras to see what it can do."
Brock, his meal finished: "Paras? The thing you told me you caught in Mt. Moon?"
Ash, nodding: "Yeah."
Brock, wiping his mouth with his napkin: "I don't think you should use that one either, Ash. Mt. Moon doesn't have Pokémon that are very high level,
usually. And a puny little Paras? It can't be more than twelfth level. Choose a different one, like Venomoth."
Ash, fiery: "No WAY, Brock. Just because Paras is a low level doesn't mean it can't win!"
Misty, putting a hand on Brock's shoulder before he could respond: "Forget it, Brock. Ash can be so stubborn, he won't be swayed from this strangely idiotic
path. Even by you."
Brock looked at her, saw the light of truth and amusement in her eyes, and backed down. Ash glared at Misty.
Brock, nonchalantly standing up: "Fine. Its your Pokémon, anyway."
Ash, nodding, daydreaming of the Pokémon League: "Yeah...yeah, it sure is..."
Nurse Joy, appearing with a tray of 17 Pokéballs and Pikachu: "Here you are."
Brock, drooling: "Why, thank you Nurse Joy! Now, about a date ton-"
Ash, firmly pulling Brock away from Nurse Joy: "Time to go."
They left the Pokémon Center and headed for the Gym across town. Brock tried to break out of the steel grip of the younger, not as strong boy.
Brock, struggling to get out of Ash's grip and back towards the Pokémon Center: "B-but!"
Misty took out her 'oagam', and he fell silent.
When they got there, fifteen minutes later, Ash knocked on the door. It opened at impact, surprising them. There was no light. Ash and his friends could see a
few people watching them in the gloom. Suddenly, the lights blinked on.
Ash, blinking: "Wha? Oh, hello. Is one of you the Gym Leader?"
The biggest man Ash had ever seen in his life stepped up.
Huge guy, smiling and pointing to his chest: "I am, baby. I guess you wish to challenge me, just like all the other 3,067 babies I've already beaten?"
Ash, eyes narrowing, angry at this rudeness: "What do you mean by 'baby'??!"
Misty winced. Oh, man was this guy, Lieutenant Surge as she remembered, going down. She remembered battling him, and having almost beating him, even
with all Water Pokémon.
Huge guy, laughing: "I call all the Trainers I beat 'baby'. And you've got a Pikachu, huh. Haven't even evolved it yet? Look, baby's got a baby Pokémon!"
Ash, flaring as the others in the Gym guffawed: "Well you haven't beaten me yet, so save your breath!"
Huge guy, leering down at the 'baby': "The call me Surge. Lieutenant Surge. So, you'd like a match? Fine. I don't know why, a baby like you couldn't stand a
chance, but I'll accept your challenge. No time limit. How many Pokémon, baby?"
Ash, growling: "Six on six."
Surge, nodding and smirking: "Okay, baby. Go, Magneton!"
Ash, doing his pose and throwing a Pokéball: "Paras! I choose you!"
Surge, laughing again: "That little thing? Pathetic! Magneton, Sonic Boom!"
Ash, yelling: "Paras, Dig into the ground then use Stun Spore!"
Surge, growling: "What?"
The Sonic Waves flew at Paras as it Dug itself into the ground, going out of view, earth blocking the sound. Then it popped right back out and Stun Spored
Magneton, making the thing quiver.
Ash, pointing: "Paras, use Spore attack, now!"
Paras sprayed its Spores and Magneton fell asleep.
[So paralyzing something in the game means you can't put it to sleep (literally). This isn't the game, so it doesn't apply. Right? Right? (Ducks as tomatoes are
thrown at him from Pokémon-game purists) Hey, stop!]
Surge, urging his Pokémon: "Magneton, wake up!"
Ash: "Paras, while its down, Slash it till it breaks apart!"
Paras Slashed again at again at Magneton. Suddenly, it jerked, then fell into three Magnemites. [It would return to normal once fully healed. Hopefully.]
Surge: "Whoah!"
Ash: "Return, Paras!"
Surge, smirking: "Return, Magneton. (Winking at Ash) Ya know, baby, you could've used Paras against my next Pokémon in official League rules, but you
didn't, so you can't use it again. Your dinky little baby Paras was fully healed."
Ash, evenly: "So? I wanted to call it back. You think I haven't memorized the rules by heart? Get a clue. I like the matches to be even."
Surge, incredulous: "But that could cost you a Badge!!"
Ash, with a smirk as he looked patronizingly at Surge: "So? I can just come back and do it again. Besides, I have, I think longer than a year to earn 5 more
Badges. This isn't the only Gym around."
Surge took another look at this young man. He was more handsome than the usual snot-nosed brat, with his slim but surprisingly well-muscled frame and deep
amber eyes. He had midnight-black hair. His body seemed devoid of acne or any other indentation that might have shown him as teenager, making him look
more like an overgrown pre-teen. Surge recognized the League cap and realized this Trainer was at least one of the top four Game Boy players in the world. He
also wore midnight-black gloves.
Surge gasped, eyes widening. Everyone knew those gloves. At least, every Indigo League Gym Leader. About 42 years ago, a woman Surge's father had known
named Willow Ketchum had won the Pokémon League tournament and became Indigo League Champion. Each year, specially fitted fighting gloves were
awarded to the victor, and hers had been the second year, so she was awarded with some of the most memorable ones, midnight-black ones. When she had a
son, Cypress Ketchum, she gave the gloves to him, who made them even more famous when he won the Indigo Pokémon League at age 16 twenty years after
his mother, a feat none other had done. He married a traveling companion of his, Delilah Wills, two years later. 8 years ago, Cypress had died in a car crash,
making Delilah a widow and Cypress's little son fatherless.
Surge, thinking: {Now, what was that name again? Ashley? Ashton? No, it was Ashura, just Ash publicly, Surge remembered that.}
Surge: "Hey, kid, what's your name?"
Ash, pleasantly surprised Surge hadn't called him a baby: "Ash. Why do you ask?"
Surge, eyes widening: "I think I knew your father. Cypress Ketchum, right? Yer last name's Ketchum..."
Ash, not looking surprised: "Yeah. Its not surprising that you've met him, actually. He was a Pokémon Master, after all."
So, it was Ash. Yes, he was obviously the son of Cypress. Ash radiated a certain aura of self-confidence, and a certain smart-aleck talk, which reminded Surge
strongly of Ash's father. Now Surge looked past Ash. There was a cute red-haired teen who had a pretty good sense of style, considering her wardrobe. She
would obviously be Ash's girlfriend or somesuch. She seemed to like blue for some reason. Surge felt like he had seen her before. Never the subtle one...
Surge, calling: "Yo, young lady in the stands?"
Misty, startled: "Yes?"
Surge, scratching his head: "Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"
Misty, smiling: "I'm Misty, the lead Cerulean City Gym Leader. Also, I battled you for a Badge, but lost, a couple of years ago. (Pointing to the young man
beside her) And this is Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader."
Brock, waving: "Hi."
So, she liked blue because Cerulean was a shade of blue. How did Ash get two Gym Leaders to follow him? Maybe Ash would tell him later. Misty was
pretty, and everyone looking at her could sense she would probably be as beautiful as her popular Gym Leader sisters someday, just not today. Today, she
was just a cute, red-haired, and great Water Trainer, the girlfriend of Ash. Or Brock. Which didn't make her common, just expected for one of Ash's stature. She
was his height and had his type of nose. And it might be a match if she was Brock's girlfriend, as they were both Gym Leaders (albeit, probably the least
strongest ones, as Surge recalled). [He's actually better...Misty only almost won because it was a one-on-one match with Starmie against Hitmonchan.]
Surge now looked more closely at Brock. Brock was a ruggedly handsome young man with strong features and very tanned skin. He was wearing a pair of gray
cargo pants and a brown vest over a white T-shirt. [Did I tell you about Brock's matching clothing?] Pewter was the city of stone, and Brock resembled a
stone-like human. The strange thing was that he squinted, so it was impossible to see the color of his eyes. They would probably be brown or gray, though.
Surge looked at the Pikachu at Ash's side. It was pretty large for its species and obviously male. And Surge could sense its power level to be pretty high, for a
Pikachu. Maybe it was good, but no Pikachu could beat its evolved form. Or so Surge thought.
Surge noticed a strange thing about Ash's little party. They seemed, actually, bored. Like they just wanted Ash to get it over with. Did they not care that
much, or was their opinion of Ash so low? Or so high?
Surge, smiling grimly: "Okay Ash, get ready. You may have beginner's luck, but you can't face the force of my Electrode! (Throwing another Pokéball from his
utility belt) Go!"
Ash, grinning and doing a peace sign by his head: "Don't be so sure! (Throwing a Pokéball) Go, Mankey!"
Mankey appeared, growling. It was about the size of Primeape, its evolved form. Misty and Brock winced, and Surge gasped.
Surge, eyes widening again: "That is one big Mankey!"
Ash, smirking: "Thanks. Mankey, go! Use your Thrash!"
Mankey, turning its head in a sign of dismissal: "Man." 'No.'
Ash, totally caught off-guard: "What?!"
Mankey, closing its eyes and crossing its arms across its chest: "Mankey." 'I said "no".'
Surge, allowing himself a smile: "This should be easy, if you can't even control your Pokémon. Electrode, go! Thunderbolt!"
Mankey, commanding itself: "Mank!" 'Rage!'
Mankey started pummeling Electrode as it was hit by electricity again and again and again. Electrode dodged away and Mankey stopped.
Ash, frantic: "Mankey, please obey me and use Focus Energy!"
Mankey: "Man. Manky!" 'No. Low Kick!"
Mankey jumped over the ground and booted Electrode around the room.
Surge: "Electrode, as it kicks you, use Explosion!"
Ash, feeling control as he forgot Mankey wouldn't obey him in the rush of a seeming victory: "Finish it off! Fury Swipes!"
Mankey: "Man. Mankey mank mankey!" 'No. Combined Fleet Foot and Comet Kick attacks!'
Misty, blown away, analyzing the situation: "Woah! Ash's Mankey won't obey, but its winning by its own attacks anyway! Its pretending like its still
wild...its acting like Surge is trying to capture it, and taking counter-measures accordingly!"
Brock, marveling: "Man, that Pokémon is extremely strong! And FAST! Normally, it wouldn't be able to catch up with the lightning-quick Electrode! And
look! It just used an attack I've never even heard of!"
Mankey went so fast you couldn't see him until after he had kicked the other Pokémon high up into the air like a football, where it exploded.
Surge, recalling his Electrode, shaking his head: "Kid, you sure are lucky! Return, Electrode!"
Ash, recalling Mankey: "Return, Mankey! (Scratching the back of his head, embarrassed) Well, we all need a little luck."
Surge, throwing a Pokéball: "Go, Jolteon!"
Ash, throwing his own Pokéball: "Go! Butterfree!"
Surge: "Jolteon, Agility!"
Ash, simultaneously: "Butterfree, Tackle!"
Butterfree zipped towards Jolteon, but Jolteon just jumped out of the way in a flash of speed. Jolteon was just running in circles around the room, Ash
noticed. It had no where else to run. Its mistake was running in a circuit. Ash knew where it would go right before it went there.
Ash, pointing at an area a few feet in front of Jolteon: "Butterfree, use Psybeam there!"
Butterfree's beam shot into the darting Jolteon as Jolteon literally ran into it.
Ash, delighted that his strategy had worked: "Now use Confusion!"
Blue energy picked Jolteon and slammed it against the ceiling, then back to the ground.
Surge, anguished: "Jolteon!"
Ash, wincing at the pain he was causing: "Butterfree, finish it off with Mega Drain!"
Butterfree swooped down and touched Jolteon's head with its antennae, sucking in all of the power remaining in the electric fox.
Surge, spit flying out of his mouth as he expelled it from his mouth with force: "No! Er...Jolteon, return! Go, Hitmonchan!"
Ash, pointing his Pokéball's beam: "Return, Butterfree! Go, Bulbasaur!"
Surge, sighing in relief: "Finally, an easy-to-beat Pokémon! Hitmonchan, Comet Punch!"
Ash, growling: "Easy-to-beat, huh?! Bulbasaur, dodge left and Mega Kick!"
Surge, in denial: "Bulbasaur can't learn Mega Kick!"
Brock, whispering to Misty, smiling: "Denial."
Ash, yelling heatedly: "Mine can!"
Hitmonchan flew towards Bulbasaur with its fist in front. Right before it hit Bulbasaur, Bulbasaur was able to dodge to the left, sending its forefoot slamming
into the speeding Hitmonchan's stomach.
[Bulbasaur can only do this move because Ash is a good teacher, and because Bulbasaur is at the high level of 30, almost the time it would evolve into Venusaur
normally. The Hitmonchan is about level 20. *]
Hitmonchan flew backwards, hitting a wall. After a few moments, it slowly got up.
Surge: "Good!"
Ash: "It's still punching??! Bulbasaur, finish it off with Leech Seed!"
Bulbasaur: "Bulba!" 'Sure thing!'
Out of Bulbasaur's back, a seed flew out of the bulb and implanted itself on one of Hitmonchan's fists, then wrapping the entire body, sucking Hitmonchan's
energy. But still the Hitmonchan walked towards Bulbasaur.
Ash, a little nervous and a lot irritated: "Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
Razor Leaves flew our of the sides of Bulbasaur's bulb and sliced into Hitmonchan, slicing up the gloves and giving Hitmonchan shallow cuts on the head and
arms. Ash sighed relief as Hitmonchan finally sighed and collapsed, defeated.
Surge: "Good try, Hitmonchan! Return. Go, Electabuzz!"
Ash, taking out Pokédex: "Hmm..."
Pokedex: "Electabuzz, the Electric Punching Pokémon. Strangely, this Pokémon is one of two types of Pokémon that aren't colorblind, and it becomes enraged
when seeing any shade of red."
Ash, putting away his Pokédex and taking out a Pokéball: "I can deal with Pokémon in a tantrum. Go, Charmander!"
Charmander appeared and glared at Electabuzz. Suddenly, Electabuzz's eyes went blood red.
Surge: "Electabuzz, Thunderpunch!"
Electabuzz just started charging towards Charmander.
Surge, confused: "Electabuzz?"
Ash: "Charmander, Ember!"
Charmander waved its tail in wide circles, throwing fire all around it. Electabuzz ran right through the fire, though it must have really hurt. Its pain only
increased its rage. It fairly flew towards Charmander.
Ash: "Charmander, dodge and Flamethrower!"
Charmander jumped backwards and a long stream of fire erupted from his mouth, scorching Electabuzz, which just kept coming.
Ash, almost panicking: "Okay, try another Flamethrower!"
Charmander shot again, but Electabuzz just punched Charmander across the room after being hit more.
Ash, crying out in anguish: "Charmander!! Are you okay??"
Charmander slowly got up, and blinked a couple times. Then it shook its head, and nodded, looking like it was in pain.
Ash: "Good! Now, for your special attack! Try that move we saw that Magmar on TV do! Heat Shield!"
Charmander's eyes flashed and its tail grew very high. A flame-like shimmering appeared around Charmander. Electabuzz tried to Thunderbolt, but the
electricity just bounced off the shield.
Brock, in awe: "Wow...Ash's Charmander formed a air lance, but somehow it looks like it also made some sort of force field...I've gotta know where Ash found
that technique..."
Ash: "Charmander, use Fire Spin, now!"
Charmander sucked in deeply and blew out a tornado of fire, which locked in on Electabuzz. Electabuzz was sucked into the center, then the fire collapsed in
on it. When it was over, Electabuzz lay fainted on the ground. Ash let out his breath.
Ash: "Charmander, that was incredible! Great job!"
Surge, crestfallen: "Electabuzz, you shame me! Return! Now, Ash, you will see what kind of baby your Pikachu really is!"
Surge threw a Pokéball and a large Raichu appeared. Ash checked its level and found out quickly it was 58th, the same as Pikachu. Raichu would have the
advantage with its size and boosted power rating. But it might have weaknesses. Ash would have to explore them.
Ash, calmly: "And I choose Pikachu."
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Pikachu, this Raichu has the same level as you. I don't know how to beat it, but I just want you to know you don't have to kill
yourself for this badge. I can always get another one.}
Pikachu patted Ash's cheek.
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I'll try my best. I want to see how good Raichus really are. You know, to see if I want to become one.}
Ash, nodding and scratching Pikachu behind the ear: "Good. And thanks."
Surge: "You may start. You've been more than fair."
Ash, flashing a smile at him: "Thanks. Go Pikachu! Agility!"
Pikachu zoomed around and around the Gym.
Surge, thinking: {Oh, crap. He taught his Pikachu speed techniques. Now I wish I had, for the short time Raichu was a Pikachu! How to beat it, how to beat
it...if I get lucky just once, I met be able to knock it out cleanly.}
Surge: "Go, Raichu! Body Slam!"
Raichu was normally quicker than a non-speeding Pikachu because its feet and legs were longer and stronger. But Pikachu with Agility was still way faster.
Raichu missed, landing hard on its stomach. It quickly got back up.
Surge: "Raichu, Mega Punch!"
Ash: "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu zoomed through Raichu's legs, hitting it on the back. But Raichu's eyes were quick enough to determine the motion, and it backhanded the air
immediately after Pikachu had slashed it. Pikachu flew a distance to the ground, hurt.
Ash, anguished: "Pikachu!!! Please, get up!"
Pikachu got up, with barely more than half of his health. Raichu ran towards it, and Pikachu darted around again.
Ash: "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu's Thunderbolt engulfed Raichu, but since Raichu had larger electric sacks, it wasn't hurt very much.
Surge: "Raichu! Show it a REAL Thunderbolt!"
Ash: "Quick, Pikachu! Absorb it!"
Raichu's sacks glowed and it unleashed a seismic amount of electricty, barely hitting Pikachu. The part that did was
absorbed into Pikachu, giving it more slightly more health and power.
Surge, waving at Ash: "Hold for a minute. How did you teach Pikachu that move?"
Ash: "Any Pikachu or Raichu can, if they have enough strength. But mine can only do it once when its health is this high."
Surge realized Ash had made the error of admitting he could only do it once.
Surge: "Raichu, Thunder!"
Raichu unleashed a huge amount of energy, but it missed as the darting Pikachu jumped behind a rock. Surge swore
and gritted his teeth.
Surge: "Okay, if you can't hit the Pikachu while it has so much cover, delete the cover, Raichu! Fill the whole Gym with
electricity!"
Ash: "Wha-oh!"
Ash jumped to the stands and dragged his friends behind them while Raichu started the second-biggest electric attack Ash had ever seen (second to Pikachu's
Thunder Ball attack). Surge and the other Trainers also dived behind cover. Then he sent a psychic message to Pikachu. Ash could sense Pikachu was worried.
He was too.
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Pikachu, tell me exactly what you see.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I see a large Raichu to the left of me getting ready to launch a huge attack that will probably at least break a few windows. I
won't be able to stand after this attack, I'm sure. Its going to hurt. Basically, brace for impact, captain!}
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {Okay, here's what I want you to do. When Raichu attacks, jump on your tail, so that you are balanced on it. That will stop the
electricity from hurting you. Hopefully, it might only faze you a bit, or it might even recharge you. Then, when the attack is over, put all of your energy and
might into a Thunderpunch. This attack should drain Raichu's power.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash: {I hope you're right about this...}
Ash, psychically to Pikachu: {You and me both.}
Pikachu, psychically to Ash, rolling its eyes: {Oh, THAT'S reassuring.}
Raichu started letting loose its energy, making Ash cut off his message.
Raichu: "RAI YAI!" 'ULTIMATE THUNDER!'
Raichu's electric sacks lit with white energy as it channeled its innate energy into a blast of Thunder throughout the Gym. In the midst of it all, Pikachu stood on its tail and closed its eyes as the electric strike launched through its body and into the ground. He clenched his teeth and trembled as the massive amount of power hit him. Surge covered his head as the ceiling blew up. Ash covered Brock and Misty with his body, while covering his head. A yellow and black bird circled high overhead, watching.
Yellow and black bird, thinking: {Hmm. Nope, not a Pikachu and not powerful enough.}
Below, the humans slowly got up. Raichu was breathing hard and the whole ceiling of the Gym had blasted outwards.
Surge, grinning: "Well, I guess I wi-what the?!..."
Pikachu was standing on its tail. It was magnetically charged from the amount of energy that had gone through its body. Its fur was bright and on end and its eyes were glowing with a fiery yellow light. Above its head, a little thundercloud floated in the air.
Pikachu, concerned: "Pi? Pikachu?" 'What? What's wrong?'
Surge, eyes wide: "Good lord, what happened to that Pikachu??!..."
Raichu, backing away from Pikachu: "Raichu, rai yai??! Raichu?!" 'Pikachu, you just evolved!?! Into Redou?!'
Pikachu: "Pi?" 'Huh?'
Pikachu looked at himself.
Ash: "Pikachu, you're supercharged again. Somehow, something caused all of Raichu's energy to enter into your body without harm, the speed of which must have caused your body to slightly change into your evolved form. (Looking at Surge levelly) Surge, do you surrender?"
Surge, looking carefully at Pikachu: "Yeah. Okay, I surrender, kid. I guess if anyone's the baby, its me. Here is your Thunder Badge. Guard it well."
Ash, taking the badge: "I will."
Surge: "Hey, um, I was hoping to talk to you, but here's not the place. Can you come with me to my place?"
Ash: "Sure."
Surge, nodding: "Good. I've been wanting to talk to the son of Cypress for a while."
They came to his house. It was fairly large. They went inside and had some tea.
Surge: "...So Pikachu has been supercharged how many times?"
Ash: "I think once in Viridian, once in Pewter, and once here. That's three times."
Surge: "You do know the legend behind Redou?"
Ash: "Yeah. Dragonight told Pikachu who told me."
Surge: "Dragonite?"
Ash: "It's a long story I might tell you some day. Anyway, Redou is a Pokémon that serves as the Poké Gods' messenger and security chief and Zapdos's 'butler'. I'm not sure how many there are at a time. Redou has a lot of cool powers and he can beat any non-Poké God Pokémon that we've found so far."
Surge: "Yeah. All I know is that there are, at most, two Redous at a time. Usually there's only one. Of course, I learned of this after I evolved my Raichu (the first day I got it). But since there are so many Pikachu, its really hard to tell which ones are destined to be Redou. I think only trained ones ever do, because its something about a good Trainer and his Pikachu. I think you are one of the very few Trainers that ever will have a Redou, lucky kid. You can see signs of Redou when Pikachu is supercharged. You must be a good Trainer, even better than your father."
Ash, as much to himself as to Surge: "Its hard following in his footsteps. How do I make my own name in the world when my dad already has been the best?"
Surge: "Have some really, really rare Pokémon. Like Redou, or some sort of mythical Pokémon no one else has."
Pikachu and Ash sweatdropped. Surge didn't know about Dragonight. Or did he? Did Bill tell him? Was this his way of encouraging Ash?
Surge: "So, you're on your way now. Your next stop is going to be Saffron City?"
Brock: "Yeah."
Surge: "You guys should take a ship. How about taking these tickets and boarding the St. Anne? Its a luxury liner."
Misty: "Really??! I've built a model of the St. Anne once! Its huge!"
Ash: "Are you sure you don't want them, Lieutenant Surge?"
Surge: "No, I get them all the time, because the ship is owned by Vermillion City, and I'm one of the people in charge here. I can fix it so you can have two joined rooms, if you want."
Ash, puzzled: "Why would we want that?"
They stared at each other, both confused. Then, Surge pulled Ash to the other side of the room.
Surge, whispering quietly to Ash: "Isn't Misty your girlfriend?"
Ash, blushing red, then answering quietly back: "Of course not!"
Surge: "So she's Brock's?"
Ash, worriedly: "I don't think so..."
Surge, chagrined: "Oh. I kinda thought either you are Brock had her as a girlfriend. Why else would she follow you?"
Ash, still blushing: "She's my guide."
Surge, leading Ash back to his seat and winking at him: "Oh. Sure. Right. I'll make it so all three rooms are joined, so you won't lose each other. When you're on, feel free to order room service or do anything expensive you like. My gift to you, Ash. Your father was a good man. And a great Pokémon Trainer."
Ash pulled the cap over his eyes. They were wet. All of this talk of his father was bringing back bad memories. The others understood. Surge had had his own father die while protecting a Raichu that was giving birth. Giving birth to his own Raichu. Misty had had both of her parents die in a car wreck in the mountains north of Cerulean. Brock's mother had died of leukemia. Pikachu's entire family was killed poachers a long time ago.
Ash felt something in his lap, and on his shoulders. Surprised, he lifted his cap. Pikachu was nestled into his lap, smiling and grinning comfortingly at Ash. Then, to the right he saw Misty, with her hand on his shoulder, and she was smiling warmly, even though the bad memories brought up in this talk about parents made her own eyes slightly wet. To the right he saw Brock, rough hand on his shoulder while smiling widely. Then, in front was Surge, smiles in his eyes.
Pikachu: "Pi pikachu. Pikachu." 'Don't feel bad. You have us.'
Misty, echoing Pikachu: "Yeah."
Brock and Surge, looking at Misty: "Huh?"
Ash laughed and smiled through his drying slowly eyes. He stood up, placing Pikachu on his head. Suddenly he jumped up, bounced off of the wall and off
another, with resounding cracks.
Ash, hyper [couldn't you tell?]: "C'mon! What are we waiting for?! Let's go!"
Misty: "Yeah!"
Brock: "Right!"
Surge, clasping Ash's hand: "Goodbye, Ash. Put those tickets to good use! They ain't cheap! See me after you beat the Pokémon League!"
Ash, doing a little peace sign and winking: "I will. Later!"
He jumped on his bike and sped towards the docks, followed by a laughing Brock and a smiling Misty [Pikachu on the handlebars].
Ash: "THANKS, SURGE! I'LL TRY TO MAKE YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO KNEW MY FATHER PROUD!"
Surge, looking after him, thinking: "Yes you will, son of Cypress...you certainly will."
Narrator: "That ends this chapter in the life of the Trainer named Ash Ketchum. Will he and his friends actually get a break from their Journey? Find out next time."
James, appearing along with Jesse and Meowth, all looking pissed: "What the H***?!?!"
Flareon, innocently: "What?"
Meowth, angrily: "We weren't even in dis fic!!"
Flareon, mighty hands behind his mighty head: "Yeah, so what? Consider it a break from being trounced."
Jesse, flexing her hands and moving towards him, outraged: "TROUNCED?!?! I'll give YOU a break!!"
All three Team Rocket members moved menacingly towards him.
Flareon, pale: "Er...end fic!"
Nothing happened.
Puny Flareon, utterly confused: "What?!"
Handsome And Valiant Meowth, grinning his dazzling grin: "Lookin' for dis?"
The puny writer gulped as he saw the keyboard in the great Meowth's mighty hand.
Puny Flareon, gulping again: "Nice Meowth...good Meowth..."
Beautiful and Talented Jessica, holding the keyboard in her delicate and faultless hand: "Now, we'll give this back to you, if, AND ONLY IF, you follow through with the following two demands..."
Macho and Cool James, taking his rightful turn at the console, and speaking macho-ly, with his macho and more macho voice: "...First off, we want to succeed in capturing a lot of Pokémon..."
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, taking the keyboard back from the pitiful human: "...And second, we want to get them from the twerp!"
Meek Flareon, licking his lips nervously: "I'll...see what I can do..."
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, in his mighty voice: "Swear that you'll do it, or you'll never see this keyboard again!!"
Nincompoop Flareon, waving his puny hands: "All right, all right! 'I, Flareon, hereby declare to the people of FanFiction.net that Jessica, James, and Meowth from Team Rocket shall capture dozens of Pokémon in the next fic from the 'twerp', get to keep some of 'em, and get raises in my next uploaded fanfiction episode!'"
Handsome and Valiant Meowth, handing the puny keyboard back to the puny author: "Dat's bettah!"
Flareon, breathing a mighty breath: "End fic already!"
Welp, I'm back. With Pokémon, this time. Still writing my 'War Between Hearts', fic, or 'WBH', so those who care will be glad to know that. Hey, I'm gonna start a new poll, right now, that will be in every fic. Here it is: "How many people reading this right now care about whether Ash and Misty might kiss in the third or fourth movie?" Answer as soon as you end reading the next paragraph and my name.
Next fic is the St. Anne! Hello, hello, not too different. Misty watches her favorite movie, James foolishly get Magikarp, Team Rocket gets what they so rightfully deserve [and its not a kick in the a**...(see five paragraphs above this one)], and Ash and Misty go swimming together! Think something might happen? I don't. Not really. Maybe Ash might get uncomfortable, or Misty, but what's wrong with a tiny bit of love to spice up a fic? ; P
{:FLAREON:}